Up The Ante

Up the Ante (AKA UTA Arts) are a Contemporary Performance Collective from South West England making multi-disciplinary performance operating from 2012-2024 (we may work together again - watch this space). Compelled to do things differently, we devise playful work using collaborative approaches. We offer workshops & participation opportunities, nurturing our creative community and opening doors for everyone to participate in the arts.

We explore styles & art-forms as a group, with everyone contributing creative ideas. We test ideas and discuss the outcomes. We play, we sweat, we laugh, and we constantly challenge ourselves.

We aim to cultivate a community where anyone, regardless of their training level and experience can develop their creative process using a person-centered approach.

We firmly believe that the arts (and specifically participating in theatre) should be accessible for all.

Performance

Intersect (Arnolfini)

"Amazing acting & very funny."
"Stunning animation!!"
"Mesmerising!"
"Beautiful application of physical theatre to tell the story!"
"I am speechless to be honest... LOVED IT!"
-Audience feedback

Intersect is an innovative collaboration between Up The Ante and street theatre company Irrational Behaviour. It uses multi media, physical theatre and original music to ultimately merge stage and screen. Aimed at a technical generation, inspired by the mind and philosophical nature of children. You will be taken on a journey of discovery, exploring alternate existences and realities as one world permeates the other. Directed by Kara Wheatley.

Auguste and The Moon (Fyfe Hall, Trinity Centre)

"Wonderful!"
"It was immense!"
"Intriguing, captivating and very emotional."
-Audience feedback

An adaptation of Henry Miller's The Smile at the Foot of the Ladder. The Smile at the Foot of the Ladder, according to Miller, is his only composition to draw inspiration "from the blue". The complex story follows the journey of Auguste, the famous clown who finds nothing easier than to make his audience laugh, but suffers dissatisfaction night after night. Through his performance, instead he seeks more, stopping at nothing less than attempting to bestow a lasting joy to his audience. It intricately explores the nature of work, the essence of happiness, and the longing to shake free of everyday life and to find something more. This short story has been adapted by Up The Ante, who have developed the peice attentively using their explorative approach. Auguste and The Moon is a contemporary piece that melds physical theatre, improvisation and clowning with media and composition. Directed by Eduardo João Gama.

That's Just Earl (Alma Tavern)

"Delightful!"
"Earl was bought to life so well, I wanted to take him home!"
"A thought-provoking and fascinating piece to watch."
"A thoroughly enjoyable evening!"
-Audience feedback

That's Just Earl is a devised show by collaborative group Up The Ante. The show received many positive reviews that described us as "thought-provoking," "fascinating," and "thoroughly enjoyable". The piece included the creation of our own puppet and set pieces, as well as musical composition and production. We have also begun running successful acting workshops, and we have had requests to run more. We have secured a venue for our next piece, and obtained permissions from the publishers to adapt the work. Featuring music by Up The Ante, produced by Eduardo João Gama. Directed by Stephanie Crothers.

Workshops

'AMAZING FACILITATOR!'
'Very inclusive.'
'I loved your attitude towards sharing, exchange and connecting.'
'A very open and welcoming atmosphere. '
'I came out feeling creatively refreshed. It was brilliant!'

- Participant feedback